Finance is one of my “files”, so I see a lot of Jim Flaherty. Last spring, I had noticed he gained some weight, and he looked tired. I didn’t think much of it – a stressful job with hectic travel schedule probably doesn’t allow one to eat healthy or sleep regularly – and it was around the time of Budget 2012.

Just last week, when Flaherty was clutching his stomach while answering questions in the House, we all knew something was terribly wrong.

I suspect that’s when Flaherty’s new communications director concluded the news had to get out there.

I’ve been asked many times why I – or the 100’s of other Parliament Hill reporters – didn’t press Flaherty to disclose his health condition sooner. After all, some argue, Flaherty holds a powerful role within government, and is in public life.